Srinagar : In a significant political development, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has approved a resolution passed by the newly-elected government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging the central government to restore full statehood to the region. The resolution, which calls for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood in its original form, was passed unanimously by the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet during a meeting held on Thursday. The move is seen as a major step toward reclaiming the region’s constitutional rights and identity.
The resolution is part of Chief Minister Abdullah’s long-standing commitment to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, which was revoked in 2019 when the region was bifurcated into two Union territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The passing of this resolution reflects the National Conference party’s core policy of advocating for the restoration of statehood and the protection of the region’s unique cultural and political identity.
“The cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has passed a unanimous resolution for the restoration of statehood in its original form,” stated an official spokesperson. The resolution underscores the government’s intent to reclaim the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and initiate a healing process. The spokesperson emphasized that restoring statehood is central to the newly-elected government’s policy, and it marks the beginning of addressing the concerns of the region’s population.
Omar Abdullah is expected to travel to New Delhi next week to personally deliver the resolution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit will be pivotal in conveying the demands of the newly-elected government and urging the central government to take swift action on the matter. The restoration of statehood has been a major political issue in the region, and Abdullah has reiterated his promise to make it the foremost priority of his government. Before being sworn in as Chief Minister, Abdullah had vowed that his administration would act as the voice of the people and work towards restoring the region’s full statehood.
The resolution comes in the wake of the National Conference’s strong performance in the recent assembly elections, where the party secured 42 seats. This victory has given the Abdullah-led government a solid mandate to push for the restoration of statehood, a cause that resonates deeply with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference has consistently argued that the revocation of statehood in 2019 was an infringement on the constitutional rights of the region’s residents, and the restoration of these rights is crucial for peace and stability.
The resolution also calls for the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir to be summoned in Srinagar on November 4, where the statehood issue will be discussed further. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has been advised to address the assembly on the matter, reinforcing the government’s stance on this critical issue.
For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the restoration of statehood is not just a political demand but a symbolic step towards restoring their identity and dignity. The region has been in political limbo since the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent division of the state, and the restoration of statehood is viewed as a necessary step towards addressing the grievances of the local population. Chief Minister Abdullah’s government has made it clear that the protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique identity and the constitutional rights of its people remains the cornerstone of its policy.
The Abdullah-led cabinet is confident that this resolution will create the momentum needed for the central government to act. As Chief Minister Abdullah prepares to meet Prime Minister Modi, political observers are closely watching whether this initiative will lead to concrete changes on the ground.
The passage of the statehood resolution signals a new chapter in Jammu and Kashmir’s political journey, and it will be critical to see how the central government responds to this appeal. With the support of the assembly and the backing of the people, Abdullah’s government is set on ensuring that Jammu and Kashmir regains its status as a full-fledged state within the Union of India.
